Equinox - Integrative Healing

Over 3,000 years ago the Chinese discovered that all living things have a "life force" called Chi (pronounced 'chee'). This energy flows like water throughout the body to nourish and keep an individual healthy. The main channels of energy, called meridians, were mapped by the Chinese to monitor and control the flow of Chi. They found that when the Chi flows correctly, the body can stay healthy and prevent disease and pain naturally. Pain, sickness, and diseases are indications of unbalanced or blocked Chi. An acupuncturist can regulate the flow of Chi to increase the individual’s natural healing power to help prevent and control health problems.

Kenji Fukunaga

Kenji Fukunaga, Lic. Ac., licensed acupuncturist at Equinox, is a native of Japan and studied for six years in Japan and China. He has practiced acupuncture in such fields as gynecology, internal medicine, pain management, health and beauty, rehabilitation, sports therapy, and orthopaedics.

Kenji has been a practicing acupuncturist for over 14 years and is licensed to practice acupuncture in New Hampshire, Vermont, Hawaii, and Japan.

Education:
Goto College of Medical Arts and Sciences, Japan
Tianjin College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), China

Licensure Certification:
NCCAOM Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture
New Hampshire - Licensed in Acupuncture and Massage
Vermont - Licensed in Acupuncture
Hawaii - Licensed in Acupuncture
Japan - Licensed in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Anma, Shiatsu
and Massage

Frequently asked questions about acupuncture:

Does it hurt?

Receiving acupuncture does not hurt. The needles are very thin and if inserted properly should not be uncomfortable. Many patients report falling asleep during treatments!

What types of conditions can it help?

Acupuncture can be used for many conditions. The following is only a partial list of conditions the World Health Organization (WHO) believes can be treated using acupuncture:

Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders: toothaches, earaches, sinus inflammation, and nasal inflammation

Respiratory Disorders: uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children and adults

Gastrointestinal Disorders: digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, and diarrhea

Eye Disorders: Inflammation of the conjunctiva or central retina

Nervous System and Muscular Disorders: headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, lower back discomfort/pain, and osteoarthritis.

Preparing for Acupuncture
In preparation for your initial acupuncture session, please view and print the following:

Patient Information Form (to be filled out before your appointment)
Acupuncture Health History Form (to be filled out before your appointment)
Post-session information
Video sign-off form (fill out top portion only)

Please fill out the patient information and health history form before you arrive for your first appointment. Make sure that you include all symptoms that you are experiencing, not just your primary concern. All symptoms are important for eastern diagnoses.

During your initial 2-hour appointment, you will watch a short video about acupuncture, go through a diagnosis with Kenji and receive your first acupuncture session. All follow-up sessions are 1 hour long and should be scheduled on a weekly basis unless otherwise indicated by Kenji. For your initial session:

1. Please wear or bring comfortable clothes to change into (such as sweat pants or shorts).
2. Avoid brushing your tongue on the day of your first appointment.
3. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
4. Call at least 48 hours in advance to cancel or change any appointments.
5. Bring all forms with you.

Acupuncture in New Hampshire is rarely covered by insurance. We suggest, however, that you call your insurance company to make sure. You will be required to pay for your treatment by cash, credit card or check at the time of service. Initial sessions are $125.00 and follow-ups are $75.00.

For most people, acupuncture is a new experience. Here at Equinox, we believe that you should be relaxed enough to fall asleep on the treatment table. Comfort is part of the healing process. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (603) 766-8255.

Chiropractors believe that if the human body is subluxation free, meaning free from nerve interference, then the body's inherent healing potential will promote and restore wellness.

There are a variety of techniques used by chiropractors, including but not limited to, joint manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue stretching, trigger point pressure, myofascial release, exercises, and education. You can discuss with your chiropractor which techniques would be best for your particular situation/condition.

Dr. Patricia Wentworth

Dr. Patricia Wentworth practices chiropractic at Equinox. A New England native, she began her career as a certified athletic trainer and taught sports medicine at secondary, collegiate, and clinical levels for 20 years. In 1998, Dr. Wentworth received her doctoral degree in chiropractic from Life University in Marietta, Georgia, and joined Equinox in June of 2001. She was drawn to the concept of integrative medicine and the fact that the patient's healthcare is team focused. Dr. Wentworth is accepting new patients and is a participating provider in the Anthem and Cigna networks.

Please inquire with your health plan regarding your insurance benefit for chiropractic.

Health History Form - for initial chiropractic visit


Frequently asked questions:

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care may benefit a range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly back and neck pain. Any organ or system with a neurological component can be effected by chiropractic manipulation.

How long will it take?

The initial evaluation, which takes approximately one hour, involves a comprehensive interview and physical examination as well as treatment. Imaging (x-rays) and instrumentation may also be performed. Follow-up visits are generally 15-30 minutes in length. A course of treatment varies between a few sessions to several months of care depending upon the severity and chronicity of the condition.

If you have any questions or want to know if chiropractic care can benefit you, call us at (603) 766-8255.

General Radiology Exams:

• Physician referral is required for x-ray
• All paperwork is completed in the privacy of the x-ray room
• All exams are performed by a registered radiologic technologist
• Films are interpreted by a qualified Radiologist at Exeter Hospital
• Results are typically reported to your physician within 48 hours

For more information about Radiology Services at Equinox, contact us at (603) 766-8255.

Integrative medicine is a type of primary care practiced by medical doctors that supports health and wellness from the perspective of body, mind, and spirit integration. Integrative medicine practitioners blend Western medicine with other healing traditions to optimize improvement, and minimize risk and side effects. In partnership with their patients, practitioners devise treatment plans with careful attention to their effectiveness and safety.

Following a thorough medical evaluation, your physician will work with you to develop a specific strategy to assist your health goals. Specific modalities may include:

Mind-body medicine: Approaches include guided imagery, visualization, meditation, martial arts, and hypnosis.

Acupuncture: This traditional therapy, with origins in China over 2,000 years ago, works with the body's vital energy to effect renewed balance.

Herbal/Botanical medicine: The healing powers of plants have long been recognized, and many modern day pharmaceuticals have origins as plant products. As research continues, the benefits of quality herbal products become more widely known and utilized in health promotion.

Nutritional: The importance of diet, and specific nutrients, are more widely understood for their role in health and wellness. Through dietary changes or modifications, or in some instances specific supplements, a desired health goal may be achieved.

Gail Wingate, ARNP:
Gail, a graduate of Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, is a family nurse practitioner. Prior to entering nursing, Gail worked as a holistic health practitioner at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts and in her own private practice in Portland, Maine. Her practice includes integrated therapeutic bodywork techniques, stress management, breath coaching and emotional processing integration. In addition, she has training in homeopathy, is a Reiki Master, a prana yoga teacher, and has advanced training in Trager and Craniosacral therapies.

Gail is accepting new patients for integrative medicine and primary care and health consultation by referral.

Peter Degnan, MD:
Dr. Degnan is an Integrative Medicine physician at Equinox. A New England native, Dr. Degnan is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his postgraduate family medicine residency at Mercy Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
His interest in alternative and complementary approaches to health began early in his medical training, enriched by valued mentors and colleagues. Professional interests include botanical/herbal medicine, the mind-body continuum, and medical acupuncture. He resides in Exeter with his wife and two children.

Dr. Degnan is accepting new patients for integrative medicine and primary care and health consultation by referral.

It has been well established that massage and bodywork can positively impact your health. It has also been an effective method for pain management.

 

Suzanne Thomas Jenkins, LMT

Our massage therapist at Equinox is Suzanne Thomas Jenkins, LMT. Suzanne has over 10 years of experience in massage and bodywork and offers a variety of techniques including CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Reiki, deep tissue and hot stone massage. Suzanne is also a Kripalu certified Holistic Health Educator and integrates mind/body relaxation techniques into her work. She enjoys working with clients to decrease pain and improve function as well as with clients interested in prevention, relaxation and wellness.

Massage and Bodywork Services

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage involves the use of smooth, warmed basalt stones to provide a soothing, toxin clearing, deeply relaxing, unique massage experience. Physiologically, the chemical reaction of blood and lymph exchange is accelerated with the use of hot stones. Heat combined with soft tissue manipulation allows the practitioner to work deeper to facilitate relaxation and realignment of muscle fibers. Mentally, the client reaches a state of relaxation within minutes of applying the first warmed stone compared to 10 minutes of a basic massage session. This 80-minute treatment is an excellent choice for muscular tension and pain as well as weekly/monthly maintenance for relaxation and wellness.

Relaxation Massage

A combination of massage strokes that aid in the reduction of overall muscle tension and stress. Your nervous system will be calmed to allow for total relaxation as various massage modalities are incorporated into this opportunity for total relaxation. CranioSacral therapy and Reiki may also be integrated into this massage to further enhance your state of relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep pressure in conjunction with kneading, stretching and vibration reduces muscle spasm and deep chronic pain. An important body care component for the avid athlete who frequently participates in sports training or who has over-exercised. Deep tissue work is also beneficial to the nonathlete with sore or stiff muscles due to poor posture, repetitive motion, old and new injuries and overall tension, to name a few.

Craniosacral Therapy/Myofascial Release

CranioSacral Therapy/Myofascial Release facilitates the quieting and healing of your body's systems. It is a gentle hands on approach to wellness and relaxation. The therapist helps to synchronize the body's natural rhythm between the base of the skull and the lower back (specifically your sacrum). The overall feeling is one of very deep relaxation. This is an excellent choice for TMJ pain, chronic headaches, migraine headaches, stress relief, neck and back pain, ringing in the ears, depression and chronic pain. This method of bodywork is done fully clothed.

Reiki

This ancient Japanese style of bodywork is based on the concept that healing within the body can occur by working in combination with the client's emotional, mental and spiritual levels, not just the physical level. This gentle, non-invasive type of bodywork leaves you feeling balanced and relaxed and is done fully clothed.

Stress Reliever

Massage which concentrates on the head, neck and shoulders. Various relaxation techniques and strokes are utilized which contribute to your overall sense of upper body relaxation.

Sports Massage

A combination of stretching, compression and gliding techniques to help the body release lactic acid build up. Great for pre- and post- events or in conjunction with your training/workout schedule.

Chair Massage

Duration and fee varies depending on needs/corp. package. This onsite service provides a health break for employees and can be tailored to meet your company, department or function's needs. It is done fully clothed in a specially designed chair and lasts for 10-20 minutes.